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Jan, 2019
Getting Started with Exercise
Introduction
Exercise is any movement or activity that is structured, planned and repeatedly performed in a means to condition the body for health improvement and fitness maintenance. During exercise, you generate sweat, breathe heavily, and increase your heart rate without feeling any form of burning sensation in the muscles. Exercise can come in any form such as jogging, walking, cycling, aerobic dancing, swimming, skiing, and any other activities that are capable of raising your heart rate.
Whether it is a structured exercise plan or just a daily routine, all forms of physical activities contribute to achieving a healthier heart. However, exercise is usually ignored in our everyday activities. Many don’t have time for it and many underestimate its importance. There are benefits of exercise that can’t be overlooked.
Finding time and getting started may seem difficult. These two reasons not to start are the most popular I hear. Break away from those excuses and start by taking a walk. It is free, easy to do and enjoyable. Especially when you have a companion to walk with you. This article suggests some useful tips for getting you started with your chosen exercise. Let’s dive into it.
Important Tips for Exercise Success
If you want to gain the benefits of exercise and be successful, you have to do it right, be focused, and also have fun with it. Below are some tips to help you achieve your goals:
Set realistic goals
Your goals may be muscle strength, weight loss, endurance body fitness, and much more. However, exercise is expected to be gradual, challenging, and targeted at a goal(s). Before starting your exercise, set a realistic goal(s) to help you stay focused. Don’t expect too much at the beginning. Just do it and have fun.
Dress appropriately
Your dressing says much about your mission as you set out for your daily exercise. Wear comfortable and fitted shoes and clothing based on the activity. Always consider the weather in your selection. Improper shoes have been attributed to many injuries during exercise; so choose an appropriate kit for yourself. Flat shoes or sneakers are mostly recommended.
Work on timing
A recommended 30 – 40 minutes of exercise 3 – 5 days weekly has been studied to help your heart rate. However, you can start slowly with 15 – 20 minutes and gradually increase to at least 30 minutes. It is also advisable to exercise at a set time of the day to help you focus. Ensure you maximize your time to achieve your goal.
Exercise with a companion
Exercising with a buddy or friend motivates you to do it every day. But care must be taken not to turn your workout session to a discussion session. Be focused to face what brought you out of your house. Your friend is there just to motivate you to do more.
Hydrate your body with water
During and after exercise, your body gets dehydrated and needs water. However, plain water is recommended at this stage and not soft drinks or sports drinks. You are exercising to keep yourself fit and not for competition, so take ordinary water.
Stretch after exercise
Stretching plays a vital role in the regular exercise. Many benefits have been linked with the incorporation of body stretching in your daily exercise. During and after exercise, muscles are warm and palliated. Stretching muscles at this state enhances body flexibility, prevents injury, and keep muscle tone and strength.
Eat proper nutrition
Your muscles require a well-balanced diet to achieve the best result in your exercise. Carbohydrates found in vegetables and grains are essential for stamina. The known building block for muscle strength and growth is protein, so ensure you include this balance in your diet for healthy exercise.
Make record to track your success
Just like a business, record all your daily activities in a logbook or calendar. You can record it in a tabular form such as distance or length of exercise, time, amount of weight used and how your body feels after each session of the exercise. Make it your own. This will motivate you to continue as you see how your body has increased since the first entry. There is a big benefit in doing this.
Conclusion
The key to success in anything is to get started. Regular exercise may be challenging in the beginning as you tend to experience a little pain, but keep going and do not forget to stretch. In 3 – 4 days, you will get used to it and you will start enjoying the benefits. This article has shared the essential tips to get you started. I hope you enjoyed it and are ready to get started. Check out our healthy recipes and reward your body with a great meal!
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